Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Continental Congress authorized the purchase of two vessels to be armed for a cruise against British merchantmen on the 13th of October 1775. This resolution created the Continental Navy and is considered the first establishment of the U.S. Navy.
John Adams is often called the father of the American Navy due to his strong posture on having a strong standing Navy during this period. He supported the Naval Act of 1794 that established a permanent standing navy on the 27th of March 1794.
In 1907, most of the Navy's battleships with several support vessels dubbed the Great White Fleet showcased its capability to extend to the global theater. President Theodore Roosevelt ordered a 14-month circumnavigation of the world by these ships.
Ironclad warships fought for the first time at the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862. The engagement pitted the Monitor against the Virginia during the American Civil War.
The United States Navy has seven active numbered fleets led by vice admirals or rear admirals. These seven fleets are further grouped under commands like Fleet Forces Command and Pacific Fleet.